Finland has made a strategic decision to extend the contract of its successful biathlon head coach, Erik Torneus-Kulstad, under a 2+2 model. This move comes after Torneus-Kulstad garnered attention from Norway, which was reportedly interested in his expertise but failed to act. Norwegian biathlon legend Ole Einar Bjørndalen criticized Norway for its delay, stating that they had the chance to secure a top-tier coach but did not present an offer in time, thus allowing Finland to take the lead in securing him.

Bjørndalen emphasized that Norway's indecision was a critical mistake, highlighting that they underestimated the urgency of securing Torneus-Kulstad's talents. The coach has been pivotal in Finland's biathlon strategies since he assumed his role in 2022, having previously served as Bjørndalen's assistant coach during a successful period for the Chinese biathlon team. Bjørndalen praised Torneus-Kulstad for his technical skills and systematic approach, noting that he was one of the key figures in the coaching team.

The move signifies Finland's commitment to its biathlon program and positions the country to potentially improve its performance on the international stage. With a coach of Torneus-Kulstad's caliber, Finland may now have a competitive advantage over rivals, particularly in light of Norway's missed opportunity. This development could affect upcoming competitions as Finland aims to leverage its strengthened coaching structure for better results, particularly in Olympic contexts where preparation and coaching play crucial roles.